Human atrial natriuretic factor prevents against norepinephrine-induced acute renal failure in the rat

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential protective effect of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on the norepinephrine (NE)-induced acute renal failure (ARF). After determination of basal renal function, ANF at different doses induced a dose dependent increase of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), diuresis (V), sodium (UNaV) and potassium (UKV) excretion. Unilateral intrarenal norepinephrine infusion induced acute renal failure in an isotonic saline pretreated rat group. The experimental kidney in this group was anuric, and no measurable GFR and electrolyte excretion was observed. ANF pretreatment prevented the norepinephrine-induced ARF. In the experimental kidney, GFR, V, UNa V and UK V were subnormal or even elevated during NE-infusion as compared to the basal clearance period. During the 60 min control period after the norepinephrine infusion in the isotonic saline pretreated rat group, anuria persisted. In the ANF pretreated groups, normal or significantly increased levels of GFR, V, UNa V and UK V were obtained.